Way to go Oregon for keeping the last day in 05′ live! Last minute planners in the state should check out these
events happening all over the place. Events listed are for families and the 21 crowd. In Portland the fun begins at
10PM at the Pioneer Courthouse Square which features food music
and dancing. At midnight interested participants can take part in a 3-mile run or 1.5-mile walk. That my friends sounds
like an unbeatable healthy way to start the new year. I thought that one in particular was the best, plus it’s in a
pretty big city. There are many to choose from like ski events, gourmet dinners, magic shows, and dancing so take a
gander!
via Medford
News
MSN's List of New & Notable Nightlife
Ladies let the stilettos and boots break loose. Fellas just shake your caboose. (Snorts, laughter.) I’m really sorry about that one, but MSN and
CitySearch have teamed up to bring forth a nice list of new and notable night attractions. From the west coast to the
east coast, no dance floor will be left unmoving. And this is all in time for those of you still without plans for
tomorrow night. In San Fran? Head up to Le Bar Rouge
where the crowd is incredibly mixed and the coat check-in is free. Jewish soul food on the mind? Go to Mo’ Pitkin’s House of Satisfaction in NYC. Of the three
CitySearch reviews, opinions two to one say it’s got more bang for the buck and enjoy the atmosphere. Somewhere in
between, but still wanting to be in the sophisticated par-tay scene? Denver residents and visitors try Tryst Lounge. The name suggests a secret rendezvous usually between lovers and
word on the street is the affair is out! Kidding, but it seems like a good amount of noise is being made over the
sushi.
Mummers Parade
Not being from Philly, and having rarely visited, I confess
that I had never heard of the Mummer’s Parade. But a quick read of this Washington Post
article about the event, I have to say my curiosity is piqued. Apparently, like New York, Philly has its own special
brand of New Years celebration, and among the things that happen are two great traditions: the Mummers Parade, and the
"after-parade" along Second Street.
In the Mummer Parade musicians and comic troupes get jiggy in
front of a series of judges and TV cameras. They are dressed to the nines…make the the crazy-8s…in "elaborately
bespangled, sequin-studded, frilly-trimmed get-ups that conjure images of over-the-top Las Vegas shows". Imagine a
mix of Ben Franklin and Siegfried and Roy. Last year’s parade included about 10,000 participants, who made their way
goofily along the nearly two-mile Broad Street route from South Philly to City Hall. The second party then takes place
when everyone heads back to their neighborhoods and the street parties kick in. So, yeah, I gotta say, I had no idea
Philly had such fun shenanigans going on. In a way, given the mess that Times Square becomes, it all sounds pretty darn
fun.
Australia in the States: G'Day LA
We hope you
enjoyed our CityScapes day in Sydney. Have you booked your ticket yet, mate? Just when you thought we were done with
OZ, we bring ya more, this time right here in the USA. How about that? G’Day LA is coming up soon, a chance for
Californians to get their fill of Aussie goodness without shelling out for the expensive flight! From January 14 – 22,
2006, Los Angeles will celebrate Australia Week with a full slate
of events, including an Australian film premiere and AFL football matchup between the Sydney Swans and North Melbourne
Kangaroos. There will be guest appeances by Hugh Jackman, Olivia Newton-John, INXS and the Crocodile Hunter himself,
Steve Irwin. The series of events will promote the plentiful offering of arts, culture, entertainment, food, business
and tourism opportunities that exist downunder. There’s something for everyone, so check it out if you’re in the
neighborhood.
Sydney: Shark Dive Extreme
Alright mate! Time to play a little game called shark bait (sorry it rhymed) and go for a swim with some of the waters
most feared creatures. This activity requires no experience and will put you face to face with HUGE grey nurse sharks,
giant stingrays, sea turtles, wobbegong sharks, moray eels and other fierce ocean animals. Programs are tailored to
suit different diver skill levels, while all dives last 30 minutes in the Oceanarium. Your Shark Dive Extreme adventure gains you free
admission into Oceanworld which includes interactive guided shows, tours, and any special activities or feeds. Could be
a great way to spend the afternoon after lounging on Bondi beach. Click here for additional details.
Oceanworld Manly is located at West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.